Root Canal Therapy

Tooth decay and cavities are progressive; the longer they’re left untreated, the more extensive damage they can cause. While a tooth-colored filling is often the go-to treatment for mild to moderate cavities, severe decay can claim too much of your tooth for a filling to be effective. Root canal therapy is the process of carefully accessing the pulp chamber which is located at the very center of your tooth. Dr. Campbell will remove the infected pulp tissues, clean and sanitize the chamber, and then seal the pulp chamber and root canal with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta percha. Next, Dr. Campbell will fill the cavity and restore the tooth with a lifelike dental crown. Root canal therapy restores the health, appearance, and function of a smile that is severely compromised by internal tooth decay.

When to Schedule an Appointment

Your tooth’s pulp chamber houses vital tissues, nerves, and blood vessels, called the pulp. The pulp is the only living part of your tooth. Therefore, unlike a mild cavity, severe tooth infection can cause nearly debilitating tooth discomfort. If you experience extreme tooth discomfort that doesn’t go away, then you may need root canal therapy to alleviate it. By maintaining a steady schedule of dental checkup and cleaning appointments, Dr. Campbell can restore a broken tooth that is vulnerable to immediate internal infection, or otherwise, detect and repair an infected tooth before root canal therapy becomes necessary.

Although root canal therapy is more involved than a dental filling, it can typically be performed during a single visit. It is also the last resort for restoring your tooth before it requires extraction.